"Del, what are you doing?" 

Mina looked up as the elevator finally opened, revealing Buck. He didn't bother trying to squirm out from under Del's massive wolf, however, because he'd already exhausted himself trying for the past... he had no idea how long. 

"Why aren't you responding?" Buck asked as he knelt in front of Del's wolf. 

The large creature pinned its ears and wined as Buck reached forward and ran his fingers through the thick fur on its head. 

Thank god he finally stopped licking me. I'll be shocked if I don't have a bald spot on the back of my neck now. 

"Let him up, hun." Buck said with a warm smile as he gently guided the wolf to its feet with his hands on either side of its face. 

The second the beast moved its paw Mina scrambled forward, putting several yards between them before he turned around and gave his best pathetic hiss. So tired. He refused to show it, however, and instead slowly crept back to the elevator and pawed at it while looking up at Buck, who turned when he heard his little paws scratching at the metal door. 

When the man knelt beside him, Mina hunched and tucked his tail, but pressed his paw against the door again as he looked up with pleading eyes. I just want to go h— somewhere else. He wouldn't go back to his uncle's home, but he was too stressed to stay where he was right then. If he had to, he'd curl up in an alley for the rest of the day. He just needed some rest and to get away from everyone. 

"I'm sorry, but I can't open the doors for you until Del returns." Buck said, making Mina pin his stubby lion ears to the side of his head and look down at his paws. 

Don't cry. Don't waste your tears on this. 

Shaking out his coat, Mina slowly walked back toward the bedroom, but right before stepping through the door he right and walked a few more steps before dropping down to curl up in the corner on the cold tile. He knew that waiting for the doors to open without Buck or Del doing so wasn't going to happen, so he wasn't going to pretend that waiting by them would somehow make them magically slide open. 

He watched as Del's wolf walked closer, but right before it could find a spot to lie down next to him, Buck blocked him and gestured for him to go into the bedroom. It was clear that it didn't want to, but it also didn't protest. Once he was gone, Buck actually slid down the wall beside Mina and reached down, gently setting his hand on his lion's head. 

I don't want to be pet. 

"I'm sorry I'm keeping you here. Normally I wouldn't, but I've never seen Del disappear like this. I'm not worried that he won't return, but for his wolf to actually force him back so much that he can't respond... it worries me. I just want you to stay until he's back, then I promise that I'll let you go." He said with sad eyes. 

A normal person would be sad for the hurt person who is being held against their will, but I know that the look in your eyes is only for him. 

He didn't want it, either. In fact, Mina moved his head just far enough so that Buck's hand slid from his fur. Thankfully, he didn't try to replace it, and after a short while, got up and walked inside the bedroom. 

"Hey you damn deer, where the hell are you!" 

Magnus's yell as he shoved his way through the door leading to the staircase had Mina jumping from surprise. He'd been dozing, but as soon as he noticed the door slowly closing, he bolted for it. Thankfully, he took Magnus by enough surprise to get past him, but as he was squeezing through the heavy steel door, it jerked the last few inches closed... right on his poor back left leg and tail. 

The amount of pain that jolted through his body had Mina seeing stars. He tried to blink them back, but he couldn't manage to stay awake as his small body dropped to the cold floor.  

Oh shit. 

Magnus just barely managed to dodge Del's massive wolf as it flew from the bedroom, shifting back to its human form before his feet hit the ground by the door to the stairwell. He hadn't meant for the small lion to get caught in the door. It had bolted past him before he could react! He was just turning to try and offer help when he felt a strong hand grab his shoulder and hold him back. His bear half grumbled but his canine side wanted to roll over and whine. 

Fuck you, dog. 

He wasn't exactly sure which animal he was more mad at right then, though. He didn't need the aggression, but he also didn't want to be a damn pussy and beg for another belly rub because he felt like he'd done something bad, even though it had been an accident. 

"You're not getting another belly rub, and I wouldn't bother him right now." Buck said as he stopped beside him, both of them watching as Del shoved open the heavy door and gently but quickly scooped up the little lion. 

A moment later they were gone. No doubt Del was heading for the medical ward on the floor below them. He knew that Buck could feel his anger through their bond and he really didn't like the worry the man was giving off. 

"I don't want a damn belly rub." Magnus finally replied as he turned to face Buck with a scowl. 

The other man just gave him a tired smile and took his hand, pulling him toward the elevator. 

"We have things to talk about. I'm not leaving." Magnus growled, even though he let Buck lead him, anyway. 

Once inside the elevator Buck released his hand, only for Magnus to grab it again with narrowed eyes, just daring him to try and take it back. Instead of fighting him on it, Buck relented and waited quietly until they were on the first floor, then out of the building before looking over at him as they walked. 

"Are you okay?" 

What kind of stupid question is that? 

Magnus growled, but Buck didn't change his expression or stop walking beside him. He wasn't even sure where he was taking the guy, but he refused to let him go in case he might try to run. It would trigger him to chase... and that could end up with Buck getting hurt. The thought had him squeezing the man's hand tighter as he licked his lips nervously. 

"Of course I am." Magnus said as he stopped walking, only to realize that he'd taken Buck to the bar he worked at. 

Since they were already there, he shrugged and ducked inside, pulling him along with him after he gave a nod to the bouncer for the evening. The place was busy, as usual, even though it was a bit early to be drinking. Magnus slid onto a stool at the bar, tugging Buck into his lap before he could find another seat. 

He felt the guy grunt where his back leaned against his chest, but he ignored his annoyance and knocked on the bar to get the tender's attention. 

"Two of whatever the draft special is tonight." He said before smirking slightly up at Buck's frown. 

"I don't drink." He man replied. 

Magnus chuckled as their drinks were set in front of them and reached for his own. It was slightly fruity but had a decently big kick of alcohol. He downed it in one go, then sighed as he wrapped his free arm around Buck's waist, then reached for his drink. 

"You should. I'd take care of you." He growled as he nuzzled the man's neck, ignoring Buck's own annoyed grumble. 

"No, thank you. I prefer to have my brain functioning when I'm around you." He said as he nodded to the bartender and ordered a simple glass of water. 

Spoilsport. 

Not that he could blame him. He would have a hard time controlling himself if Buck got drunk and was at his mercy. He'd either eat the guy... or eat him, then eat him. The idea had Magnus licking his lips before he downed the beer he'd ordered for Buck in a few huge gulps. 

"If you get drunk, I'm going to leave you here. Even if you fall over and can't get up." Buck warned him as he sipped his water.  

Magnus chuckled as he knocked on the bar again. 

"Give me your hardest shit. Two glasses." 

When the man returned with his order, Magnus grabbed one of the drinks, knowing that the bartender would just put it on his tab he kept with the place, and slid from the stool. That forced Buck get up, too, but Magnus refused to let go if him completely and grabbed hold of his shirt. 

"Grab my other drink, love." He slurred slightly, a sly smirk on his face that he was sure looked ridiculous in the dim light. 

Buck rolled his eyes but picked up his water, then grabbed Magnus's fourth beer. He followed him over to a group of thick leather couches. Magnus fell into them, pulling Buck down with him as their drinks plashed over the edges of the glasses, dotting their clothing and making Buck scowl. Magnus knew that he didn't like getting dirty. Especially not when he was wearing a suit.

Not a problem.  

"Don't worry, I'll clean you up." He mumbled as he leaned forward and licked the lapel of Buck's jacket with one long stroke of his tongue. 

Buck quickly scowled and nudged him back with an elbow before setting the drinks he held on the coffee table in front of them. 

Magnus started nursing his third beer and was nearly done with it when he felt Buck grab the glass and remove it from his slippery fingers. 

"I think you've had enough." He said as he set the glass on the tray, only for Magnus to reach over him and snatch the full one before leaning back... and spilling a decent amount of it on his shirt. 

"Deer o' dear. You don't know what game you're playing." Magnus slurred  as he began drinking again, only for Buck to grab the glass and yank it away. 

Magnus's eyes narrowed up at him, but Buck just set the half-empty drink back on the table and sighed. 

"Why did you bring me here, Magnus? I have far more important things to do than babysit you while you drink your weight in alcohol." Buck said, his eyes narrowed with annoyance. 

I... I don't know. 

Magnus let his grip on Buck's shirt slip until the fabric was free from his fingers. His body hunched and he looked down at his legs as he brought them up onto the couch, then wrapped his arms around them. Tucking his head into his arms so that he wouldn't have to look at Buck anymore, or the faint lights overhead that were starting to give him a headache, Magnus gave off a faint growl and rasped out "Just go." 

Buck's weight disappeared from the couch beside him almost immediately. The music playing in the background drowned out his footsteps, but when Magnus lifted his blurry gaze some time later, he knew that he had left. 

He's got no reason to stay, you fool. All you are is an annoying, insane employee. One that's probably going to get fired soon for harassment, anyway.

Groaning, Magnus leaned forward, trying to get to his feet so that he could at least go downstairs and sleep off the alcohol he'd consumed. He managed one step before he had to drop back down to the couch and lean over with his head between his knees. 

Fuck. 

"Magnus." 

Why am I hearing his voice now? He left, you idiot. 

"Magnus. Stand up, now." 

Squeezing his aching eyes shut, Magnus lifted his head. He had to wait a minute for his balance to even out before he could open his eyes and look up without falling over onto a cushion. 

He came back? But why? 

Buck was staring down at him. His suit-coat was gone, leaving him in a tight black shirt that would have had Magnus drooling if he wasn't trying his hardest to keep from throwing up.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Maggie." 

Ordering me around... jerk. 

He didn't like it, but he also felt like absolute shit so he didn't argue as his shaky legs finally lifted his body from the couch. They stared at each other for a long time before Magnus awkwardly lowered his gaze. Not a second later Buck was tugging one of Magnus's arms over his shoulder as he grabbed his waist and helped him start walking toward the exit. 

"What 'r you don'?" Magnus slurred, making a mess of his sentence. 

Buck remained quiet as they walked outside. The sun was just barely starting to drift behind the buildings across the street. Noticing Buck's car parked at the curb, Magnus let the guy lead him toward it, then leaned against the side until the back door was opened for him. He dropped down onto the seat with a sigh, but when Buck leaned over to try and help him get inside the rest of the way, Magnus grabbed his upper arm and fell back, bringing Buck right along with him. 

Finally. Your body feels fucking fantastic on mine, even if I don't feel great right now. 

He was just about to lean up and take a kiss, but suddenly Buck had his thumb on his jaw, just below his lip, as his other fingers curled beneath his jaw. It wasn't a particularly hard hold, but it somehow kept Magnus from moving a muscle. That, along with the dark look in Buck's shockingly calm eyes. 

"Let go, now." 

Buck's image blurred as Magnus fought himself not to stick his tongue out and lick the man's fingers. Instead of indulging himself, he relented surprisingly quickly and let his hand slowly slide from where it grasped Buck's arm until it fell onto the seat. 

That action had the right side of Buck's mouth quirking up into an abrupt smile as he blew out a breath, as if he were giving a surprised laugh. 

Same, deer. I have no idea why I'm obeying you so readily, either. Must be the damn alcohol. 

"Go to sleep, Magnus... and don't throw up in my car." Buck said before backing out of the back seat and pushing Magnus's legs inside more so that he could shut the door. 

When Buck slid into the front seat and started the car, Magnus closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to the inside of the seat and groaned. 

"Wher' we gon'?" He whispered after a moment, suddenly too tired to raise his voice any higher. 

Buck was quiet for a few minutes, as if he were contemplating his answer. When it finally came, Magnus was just slipping into unconsciousness. 

"My house."